2021 Toyota Corolla vs 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, introduced in 2017, harkened back to the design of earlier generations with its rounded, smooth body. Despite being overly streamlined, it maintained a recognizable resemblance to the larger S-Class and smaller C-Class, fitting well within the Mercedes family. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe, or cabriolet forms, the E-Class catered to conservative buyers with its versatile design. The sedan, in particular, looked rich with its hood ornament and thin-laced chrome grille, while most models featured a sport grille with a large Mercedes emblem. LED lighting added a delicate touch, and the car's proportions remained visually appealing across different models and wheel sizes.

The cabriolet version of the E-Class particularly benefited from the fluid, creaseless form, with a contrasting soft top revealing a luxurious interior. The E-Class delighted with multi-tone leathers, aluminum, and deep-polished wood accents. Two feet of high-res digital screens stretched across the dash, complemented by industrial elements like circular air vents and silver toggles for climate control. Ambient lighting in 64 colors added to the interior's charm, while features like heated armrests and massaging seats provided a place for solitude. Even the base model felt a cut above its competitors.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla, especially in its 12th-generation SE or XSE trims, was arguably the most attractive Corolla in recent history. These trims added sport-design bumpers, a mesh grille insert, a subtle body kit, twin-outlet exhaust, and 18-inch aluminum wheels. The Celestite Gray metallic paint with a blue undertone made the Corolla genuinely appealing. However, the design had its quirks, such as the hood shut line that visually truncated the front end and the over-styled rear bumper.

For those seeking anonymity, the Corolla L, LE, or XLE were better choices. The Corolla Hybrid, with the same powertrain as the Prius, offered an affordable path to 50+ mpg. The SE and XSE trims, priced at $22,375 and $25,825 respectively, featured a more powerful engine, different transmissions, and sportier driving modes. The Apex Edition, starting at $25,070, offered further performance tuning. The XSE trim's interior was a significant improvement over previous models, with soft leatherette, padded door panels, and robust switchgear, resulting in a clean, minimalist look.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered a range of engines, starting with the E350's turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, provided quicker response and held gears longer than previous models. However, it struggled with passing maneuvers at higher speeds. The E450's 3.0-liter V6, with 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, offered a more balanced and effortless performance. The AMG models, E53 and E63 S, provided even more power, with the E63 S's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 delivering 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy varied from 19 to 32 mpg, depending on the powertrain and body style.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla SE and XSE featured a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 169 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a Dynamic Shift CVT, the Corolla offered a smooth driving experience with ten programmed ratios to mimic traditional gears. The Corolla's TNGA platform provided a low center of gravity and enjoyable driving dynamics. The SE and XSE trims had 18-inch wheels and more aggressive tires, contributing to their sporty feel. Despite its modest power, the Corolla XSE demonstrated predictable handling and was engaging enough for everyday driving. The EPA estimated the Corolla XSE's fuel economy at 34 mpg combined, with our test averaging 31.1 mpg.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class featured a complex COMAND infotainment system, which could be unwieldy on its large, non-touchscreens. The system required multiple steps for various functions, making it highly distracting. However, the E-Class excelled in functionality with seat controls on the door panels, ample space, and clear sightlines. The coupe had a usable rear seat, and the wagon included a rear-facing jump seat for children. The interior offered high-res digital gauges and concealed cupholders and wireless charging pad.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla XSE offered numerous upgrades, including SofTex leatherette seats, front-seat heating, and an eight-way power driver's seat. The rear seats provided good support but had limited headroom and legroom, with no rear air vents. The Corolla's trunk offered 13.1 cubic feet of cargo space, less than some competitors but more than others. The hatchback version provided 17.8 cubic feet of space.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class boasted advanced tech features, including a semi-automated driving system, V2X communication, and customizable digital displays. Standard features included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. Optional features like multi-contour seats, a Burmester stereo, and the Energizing Comfort Package added to the luxury experience. AMG models included a Track Pace app for race track guidance.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla added Android Auto as standard, joining Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and SiriusXM. The SE and XSE trims featured an 8-inch touchscreen, with the XSE offering additional services like Remote Connect and a nine-speaker JBL sound system. The infotainment system was user-friendly, with physical knobs and buttons for easy navigation. The dynamic voice recognition system was responsive and accurate.

The 2020 Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan and wagon received a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS. The coupe and cabriolet models were not tested but were expected to perform similarly. Standard safety features included forward emergency braking, driver attention monitor, and blind-spot monitoring. Optional features included Pre-Safe Sound, side bolster inflation, and crosswind assist.

The 2021 Toyota Corolla came with Toyota Safety Sense 2.0, including adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, pedestrian and cyclist detection, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, and more. The Corolla also added rear side-impact airbags and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. The 2020 Corolla earned a Top Safety Pick rating from IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA.